Raphael dad's father. Dad's profession was also a butcher.
Raphael dad's father. Dad's profession was also a butcher.
Christmas 2013 at Tiffany's home, Marie's daughter.
Christmas 2013 at Tiffany's home, Marie's daughter.
Bella guarding the presents. Nikk daughter, Marie's grandchild.
Bella guarding the presents. Nikk daughter, Marie's grandchild.
Handmade Christmas decorations 2013 by John's mother, Tiffany's husband.
Handmade Christmas decorations 2013 by John's mother, Tiffany's husband.
Christmas 2013. Tiffany (Marie's daughter), (grandchildren Shelby, Juliet (Juju) and Isabella (Bella). The birth of these children helped to melt away the sadness of dad and mom's recent passing.
Christmas 2013. Tiffany (Marie's daughter), (grandchildren Shelby, Juliet (Juju) and Isabella (Bella). The birth of these children helped to melt away the sadness of dad and mom's recent passing.
Christmas 2013. This is Juju tearing through her present. Born Dec. 2012.
Christmas 2013. This is Juju tearing through her present. Born Dec. 2012.
Christmas 2013. Juju was kind enough to share her present with Bella and Shelby.
Christmas 2013. Juju was kind enough to share her present with Bella and Shelby.
Juju newest addition to the family.
Juju newest addition to the family.
Juju popping bubble wrap in the background with her teeth was the main attraction in this picture.(Front) Bella and Aunt Tiffany. Background Gregg and Alison (Twin of sister Heather.)
Juju popping bubble wrap in the background with her teeth was the main attraction in this picture.(Front) Bella and Aunt Tiffany. Background Gregg and Alison (Twin of sister Heather.)
Christmas 2013 Marie's daughter, Heather twin of sister Alison) and her husband Justin.
Christmas 2013 Marie's daughter, Heather twin of sister Alison) and her husband Justin.
Christmas 2013. In background Kirsten (Heather's daughter). Also, Shelby (Alison's daughter, Juju Nikki's daughter and Kelsy stepdaughter of Justin and Heather.
Christmas 2013. In background Kirsten (Heather's daughter). Also, Shelby (Alison's daughter, Juju Nikki's daughter and Kelsy stepdaughter of Justin and Heather.
Alison's daughter Shelby Marie's grandchild
Alison's daughter Shelby Marie's grandchild
Christmas 2013. We sure had fun with the White Elephant Xmas game. This is the second year of White Elephant Xmas - now a tradition.
Christmas 2013. We sure had fun with the White Elephant Xmas game. This is the second year of White Elephant Xmas - now a tradition.
Hand made decorations - by John's mother (Tiffany's husband).
Hand made decorations - by John's mother (Tiffany's husband).
Christmas 2013.snacks. Tiffany also had 8 large pizzas delivered.
Christmas 2013.snacks. Tiffany also had 8 large pizzas delivered.
Christmas 2013. We had a great time although it was the anniversary of mom's passing last December 2012. I took this picture while everyone was thanking my husband Michael for the White Elephant Xmas and me. Michael spent Xmas with his mom and family.
Christmas 2013. We had a great time although it was the anniversary of mom's passing last December 2012. I took this picture while everyone was thanking my husband Michael for the White Elephant Xmas and me. Michael spent Xmas with his mom and family.
White Elephant Christmas presents. 10 hours of wrapping.
White Elephant Christmas presents. 10 hours of wrapping.
There is a pew like stand to knee and pray in front of this beautiful stain glass window. I prayed for a safe and happy trip to Kansas and God answered my prayers.
There is a pew like stand to knee and pray in front of this beautiful stain glass window. I prayed for a safe and happy trip to Kansas and God answered my prayers.
Gave mom and dad each a "Christmas Angel" and asked them to keep me safe to and from my trip to Kansas.
Gave mom and dad each a "Christmas Angel" and asked them to keep me safe to and from my trip to Kansas.
Marie Kathy Susie as babies
Marie Kathy Susie as babies
Marie
Marie
Kathleen
Kathleen
Pearl Rappold (neighbor) and Susie.
Pearl Rappold (neighbor) and Susie.
JR (Louis Vela Jr.) He loved his little bike as shown by his happy face.
JR (Louis Vela Jr.) He loved his little bike as shown by his happy face.
Mom putting scarf on dad.
Mom putting scarf on dad.
Mom and dad wedding
Mom and dad wedding
Milo and Libby Hernandez and mom feeding Eddie.
Milo and Libby Hernandez and mom feeding Eddie.
Eddie and mom.
Eddie and mom.
Original navy picture dad
Original navy picture dad
Mom standing back to back with our neighbor Pearl's son to see how much he had grown. Dad our working fixing our humble home.
Mom standing back to back with our neighbor Pearl's son to see how much he had grown. Dad our working fixing our humble home.
Dad baby girls and neighbors (Jerry and Connie).
Dad baby girls and neighbors (Jerry and Connie).
Mom with her brother Alfonso Jr (front) and sisters Daisy and Carmen.
Mom with her brother Alfonso Jr (front) and sisters Daisy and Carmen.
Left-mom was princess at one of the annual fiestas held by Guadalupe Church.
Left-mom was princess at one of the annual fiestas held by Guadalupe Church.
Mom's Fiesta Princess was displayed at mom's mass at Holy Name Church. Marie bought $900.00 worth of gorgeous red velvet roses for mom. The florist made an absolutely beautiful huge vase of roses and the florist also had roses displayed around mom's ur
Mom's Fiesta Princess was displayed at mom's mass at Holy Name Church. Marie bought $900.00 worth of gorgeous red velvet roses for mom. The florist made an absolutely beautiful huge vase of roses and the florist also had roses displayed around mom's ur
Dad and mom divorced in the mid 70s. Neither of them ever remarried and later in their lives became good friends and supported each other. Dad would give mom spending money and mom would make dad Mexican food. I think dad got the better deal.
Dad and mom divorced in the mid 70s. Neither of them ever remarried and later in their lives became good friends and supported each other. Dad would give mom spending money and mom would make dad Mexican food. I think dad got the better deal.
Papi and I would watch football games on Sundays. Whenever the team we wanted to win made a touch down or messed up we call each other all during the game. Michael bought him the Chief jersey of Priest Holmes. I miss those Sundays. Football isn't the
Papi and I would watch football games on Sundays. Whenever the team we wanted to win made a touch down or messed up we call each other all during the game. Michael bought him the Chief jersey of Priest Holmes. I miss those Sundays. Football isn't the
In memory of papi and mamasita, now gone from my sight.
In memory of papi and mamasita, now gone from my sight.
Remembering Papi 8-9-2013
Remembering Papi 8-9-2013
Goodbye Grandpa Get Together - 3 of Marie's daughters trying to make papi happy. He was in pretty bad shape, but happy he was going to Greensboro to live with me and Michael. Michael said it scared him how bad papi looked and it was hard not to cry.
Goodbye Grandpa Get Together - 3 of Marie's daughters trying to make papi happy. He was in pretty bad shape, but happy he was going to Greensboro to live with me and Michael. Michael said it scared him how bad papi looked and it was hard not to cry.
Michael and Kathleen's home in Greensboro, NC where dad lived after I brought him to my home. Went to Kansas City, KS to rescue dad from a nursing home. Boy was he happy.
Michael and Kathleen's home in Greensboro, NC where dad lived after I brought him to my home. Went to Kansas City, KS to rescue dad from a nursing home. Boy was he happy.
Eddie Vela Indian artwork 3
Eddie Vela Indian artwork 3
Eddie Vela Indian artwork 2
Eddie Vela Indian artwork 2
Eddie Vela Indian artwork 1
Eddie Vela Indian artwork 1
Dad at Mexican Restaurant. This picture was taken before I took over dad's medical and business affairs. Found out he hadn't been going to his monthly lab for his Coumidin for his heart. His face had a greyish tone. He didn't look well at all.
Dad at Mexican Restaurant. This picture was taken before I took over dad's medical and business affairs. Found out he hadn't been going to his monthly lab for his Coumidin for his heart. His face had a greyish tone. He didn't look well at all.
Comforting dad
Comforting dad
Mary Lou Vela. Marie would get mom all dress up on special occasions. She loved dressing to the 9s. She great for an 81 years old. Mom loved her clothes and shoes. She always found really nice clothes, coats and thing for her grandchildren at the Goo
Mary Lou Vela. Marie would get mom all dress up on special occasions. She loved dressing to the 9s. She great for an 81 years old. Mom loved her clothes and shoes. She always found really nice clothes, coats and thing for her grandchildren at the Goo
Safely Home with Jesus I found at one of the Goodwill Stores
Safely Home with Jesus I found at one of the Goodwill Stores
Memorial brick & rose 9-8-12 laid in memory of Papi one year later. It was a very sad day or shall I say week for Michael and me. We loved him with all our heart.
Memorial brick & rose 9-8-12 laid in memory of Papi one year later. It was a very sad day or shall I say week for Michael and me. We loved him with all our heart.
Candles lit for Papi every night and all day on Sunday for a year. Michael, although he loved papi as much as I did said maybe it was time to put away all of papi's cloths and redecorate the house so we would be so sad all the time. Everything reminded
Candles lit for Papi every night and all day on Sunday for a year. Michael, although he loved papi as much as I did said maybe it was time to put away all of papi's cloths and redecorate the house so we would be so sad all the time. Everything reminded
Hummingbird house Michael donated to Beacon Place in memory of Papi and the little humming bird that visited Papi outside his window.
Hummingbird house Michael donated to Beacon Place in memory of Papi and the little humming bird that visited Papi outside his window.
Heaven's Grocery. Read poem in Stories section.
Heaven's Grocery. Read poem in Stories section.
Dad throwing me a piece of candy. Since I added this picture of papi it has appeared 8 out of 10 times when I sign in. People talk about the in between life and heaven. Papi's journey had started.
Dad throwing me a piece of candy. Since I added this picture of papi it has appeared 8 out of 10 times when I sign in. People talk about the in between life and heaven. Papi's journey had started.
Book donated to Beacon Place in memory of Louis Vela, Sr.
Book donated to Beacon Place in memory of Louis Vela, Sr.
Eyewitness in the Holy Spirit - Christ in Heaven donated to Beacon Place's chapel.
Eyewitness in the Holy Spirit - Christ in Heaven donated to Beacon Place's chapel.
Eyewitness in the Holy Spirit - Christ Ascension into Heaven donated to Beacon Place's chapel.
Eyewitness in the Holy Spirit - Christ Ascension into Heaven donated to Beacon Place's chapel.
Eyewitness in the Holy Spirit - Christ as HE lay in his tomb for 3 days before HIS ascension into Heaven donated to Beacon Place's chapel.
Eyewitness in the Holy Spirit - Christ as HE lay in his tomb for 3 days before HIS ascension into Heaven donated to Beacon Place's chapel.
Eyewitness in the Holy Spirit 7- The darkest day ever beheld as Christ died on the cross donated to Beacon Place's chapel.
Eyewitness in the Holy Spirit 7- The darkest day ever beheld as Christ died on the cross donated to Beacon Place's chapel.
Eyewitness in the Holy Spirit - Christ as HE carried the cross with the weight of all of our sins donated to Beacon Place's chapel.
Eyewitness in the Holy Spirit - Christ as HE carried the cross with the weight of all of our sins donated to Beacon Place's chapel.
Eyewitness in the Holy Spirit - Christ awaiting HIS judgement donated to Beacon Place's chapel. This picture of Christ that papi never saw looks a lot like the picture of Christ he drew for me.
Eyewitness in the Holy Spirit - Christ awaiting HIS judgement donated to Beacon Place's chapel. This picture of Christ that papi never saw looks a lot like the picture of Christ he drew for me.
Eyewitness in the Holy Spirit - Jesus as a baby in Mother Mary's arms donated to Beacon Place's chapel. This picture is somewhat like the picture Papi drew.
Eyewitness in the Holy Spirit - Jesus as a baby in Mother Mary's arms donated to Beacon Place's chapel. This picture is somewhat like the picture Papi drew.
Eyewitness in the Holy Spirit - The box containing all the beautiful pictures donated to Beacon Place in Memory of Louis Vela, Sr. (Papi).
Eyewitness in the Holy Spirit - The box containing all the beautiful pictures donated to Beacon Place in Memory of Louis Vela, Sr. (Papi).
Josh Vinesett, Louis Vela Jr.'s (JR) son's artwork.
Josh Vinesett, Louis Vela Jr.'s (JR) son's artwork.
Josh Vinesett, JR's son's artwork - man from 'Lost' series.
Josh Vinesett, JR's son's artwork - man from 'Lost' series.
Michael and I light candles every night for Papi for a year. It was too painful and we let papi's memory be of him in Heaven. Our last name 'Vela' means candle in English.
Michael and I light candles every night for Papi for a year. It was too painful and we let papi's memory be of him in Heaven. Our last name 'Vela' means candle in English.
Blessing of Memorial Bricks located at Beacon Place where dad passed away peacefully on 8-9-2011.
Blessing of Memorial Bricks located at Beacon Place where dad passed away peacefully on 8-9-2011.
Loving Memory of "Papi" Memorial Brick from Michael and Kathleen
Loving Memory of "Papi" Memorial Brick from Michael and Kathleen
Beloved Father (Big Lou) Memorial Brick
Beloved Father (Big Lou) Memorial Brick
My Shadow That Will Remain Here With Papi Forever. Michael and I affectionately called dad "Papi."
My Shadow That Will Remain Here With Papi Forever. Michael and I affectionately called dad "Papi."
Pastor Chris Morris and God shining down on the blessing of the memorial bricks.
Pastor Chris Morris and God shining down on the blessing of the memorial bricks.
Memorial Gathering of families of loved one that passed away at Beacon Place.
Memorial Gathering of families of loved one that passed away at Beacon Place.
Memorial Wild Flower Seeds
Memorial Wild Flower Seeds
Imagine performed by Neill Craig at the Brick blessing at Beacon Place.
Imagine performed by Neill Craig at the Brick blessing at Beacon Place.
Condolences from Greensboro Medical Associates
Condolences from Greensboro Medical Associates
Dad's Yosimate Sam figurine
Dad's Yosimate Sam figurine
Uncle Louie's daughter Mary Medina Baker and her grandchild.
Uncle Louie's daughter Mary Medina Baker and her grandchild.
Heather's husband Justin holding Baby Issy. Nikky and Jeff's newborn baby.
Heather's husband Justin holding Baby Issy. Nikky and Jeff's newborn baby.
4 Generations of Velas
4 Generations of Velas
Flower Cross in memory of Louis Vela and Guest Book.
Flower Cross in memory of Louis Vela and Guest Book.
Birthstone Angel Pins and Cross Key Chains for Guests
Birthstone Angel Pins and Cross Key Chains for Guests
Memorial Gifts for Guests
Memorial Gifts for Guests
Dad's Memorial Table
Dad's Memorial Table
Photo Display of dad's life (1).
Photo Display of dad's life (1).
Photo Display of dad's life (2).
Photo Display of dad's life (2).
Father Dennis Wait @ dad's Celebration of Life giving his blessing.
Father Dennis Wait @ dad's Celebration of Life giving his blessing.
Los Musicos. Carlos Garcia, the tallest gentlemen said he knew dad, what a small world. They played all of dad's favorite songs.
Los Musicos. Carlos Garcia, the tallest gentlemen said he knew dad, what a small world. They played all of dad's favorite songs.
Celebration Marie, Ed, Uncle Louie Medina, Aunt Bertha's husband.
Celebration Marie, Ed, Uncle Louie Medina, Aunt Bertha's husband.
Uncle Louie and daughter Mary at Celebration. Uncle Louie and Aunt Bertha were Ballroom Dancers well into the years and competed for many years.
Uncle Louie and daughter Mary at Celebration. Uncle Louie and Aunt Bertha were Ballroom Dancers well into the years and competed for many years.
Chris Vela feeding his son Brandon.
Chris Vela feeding his son Brandon.
Chris Vela, Louis Vela, Jr.'s son with dad's Sombero
Chris Vela, Louis Vela, Jr.'s son with dad's Sombero
Mary Lou Vela and Mariachis
Mary Lou Vela and Mariachis
Celebration Attendees
Celebration Attendees
Celebration Attendees 2
Celebration Attendees 2
Dad's niche in monument at Maple Hill Cemetary
Dad's niche in monument at Maple Hill Cemetary
Niche Engraving. Louis Vela Jr. passed away on Aug. 9, 2001.
Niche Engraving. Louis Vela Jr. passed away on Aug. 9, 2001.
Goodbye Grandpa get together before moving to Michael and Kathleen's home in Greensboro, NC. Dad sweetly patting Marie on the head and mom sitting quietly smiling. She was happy for dad he was going to live with Michael and me instead of the loneliness
Goodbye Grandpa get together before moving to Michael and Kathleen's home in Greensboro, NC. Dad sweetly patting Marie on the head and mom sitting quietly smiling. She was happy for dad he was going to live with Michael and me instead of the loneliness
Brandon Eugene Vela Born 3-21-2011
Brandon Eugene Vela Born 3-21-2011
Chris (JR's son), Nicole & Brandon Vela
Chris (JR's son), Nicole & Brandon Vela
Beacon Place Memorial Card
Beacon Place Memorial Card
Vela Coat of Arms
Vela Coat of Arms